Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Google formed a technology partnership to embed the Android operating system in automotive alliance’s vehicles. This way they will provide intelligent infotainment and applications across multiple models and brands. The plan is for the implementation to start in 2021.

The vehicles will use Android to provide turn-by-turn navigation with Google Maps. Customers will also have access to a rich ecosystem of automotive apps on the Google Play Store. This will give them the ability to answer calls and texts, control media, find information. Drivers will be able as well to manage vehicle functions with voice using the Google Assistant.

The Alliance will integrate Google applications and services into infotainment and cloud systems

While a range of Alliance vehicles will share the Android platform, each brand will have the flexibility to create a unique customer interface and specific features on top of the common Android platform.

The automotive companies have the Alliance 2022 mid-term plan. The infotainment partnership forms part of Alliance moves to equip more vehicles with connectivity and cloud services as part of it. Under the plan, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is targeting increase in the sales of more than 14 million units a year by the end of 2022. The plan also involves the launch of 12 new zero-emission electric vehicles. There will be also new autonomous-driving technologies and the ongoing rollout of the Alliance Intelligent Cloud.

The Alliance Intelligent Cloud will provide next-generation infotainment systems with secure connectivity. That will happen by offering a platform to integrate data management and infotainment systems. The aim is to facilitate over-the-air upgrades as well as remote diagnostics in Alliance member-company vehicles.

As a result of the partnership, the Alliance member companies’ vehicles will have one of the most intelligent infotainment systems in the market

Drivers and passengers will be able to leverage Google and Android’s capabilities. They will have access to an ecosystem that includes thousands of existing applications and an ever-expanding array of new apps. The system will also be compatible with devices running other operating systems, such as Apple iOS.